Abstract:

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard
having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and
additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably
designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed
roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold
the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The
roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is
provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed
and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the
rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up
space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile
can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key
mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top
case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame. The keys protrude
through openings of the opaque keyboard frame and the translucent top
case.

Claims:

1. A keyboard comprising:at least one keyboard foot coupled to an edge of
the keyboard and being movable between an inclined position with the
keyboard foot extending downward from the edge below a bottom of the
keyboard and a neutral position with the keyboard foot disposed adjacent
the edge above the bottom of the keyboard.

2. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the keyboard foot is rotatably coupled
to the edge of the keyboard by a hinge to rotate between the inclined
position and the neutral position.

3. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the edge is a rear edge of the
keyboard.

4. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the keyboard foot folds onto the edge
of the keyboard in the neutral position.

5. The keyboard of claim 1 comprising a plurality of keyboard feet.

6.-20. (canceled)

21. A keyboard comprising:a plurality of keys having key mechanisms
connected thereto;an opaque keyboard frame placed over the key mechanisms
to cover at least a substantial portion of the key mechanisms, the
plurality of keys protruding through openings of the opaque keyboard
frame; anda translucent top case placed over the opaque keyboard frame,
the plurality of keys protruding through openings of the translucent top
case.

22. The keyboard of claim 21 wherein the opaque keyboard frame has a
generally smooth upper surface visible through the translucent top case.

23. The keyboard of claim 21 further comprising at least one module
protruding through openings of the translucent top case.

24. The keyboard of claim 23 wherein the at least one module includes at
least one of a roller module and a multi-media module.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to computer keyboards (corded or
wireless) and, more particularly, to a computer keyboard having
user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional
computer interface and control purposes. In keyboard manufacturing, it is
difficult to control tolerances on a large molded piece for the top or
bottom case of the keyboard. This problem is exacerbated when buttons
other than standard keyboard buttons and other components or devices are
added to the keyboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer
keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications
and additional computer interface and control purposes. These components
are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness.
A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an
enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic
components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. The use
of the preformed roller module eliminates the need to control tolerances
on a large molded piece of the top case of the keyboard to accommodate
the roller components. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume
control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the
keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard
for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the
keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low.

[0003]In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a keyboard
comprises at least one keyboard foot coupled to an edge of the keyboard.
The keyboard foot is movable between an inclined position with the
keyboard foot extending downward from the edge below a bottom of the
keyboard, and a neutral position with the keyboard foot disposed adjacent
the edge above the bottom of the keyboard. In some embodiments, the
keyboard foot is rotatably coupled to the edge of the keyboard by a hinge
to rotate between the inclined position and the neutral position. The
edge may be a rear edge of the keyboard.

[0004]In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a keyboard
comprises a keyboard module having a keyboard body. A preformed roller
module is fixedly attached to the keyboard body, and includes a preformed
roller module housing having a slot and a user-manipulable roller
partially exposed through the slot. The preformed roller module housing
includes a rotational support to support the roller in rotation relative
to the preformed roller module housing around a rotational axis of the
roller. The roller module is operatively coupled with the keyboard module
to interface with the keyboard module.

[0005]In some embodiments, the preformed roller module housing includes a
translational support to support the roller for movement in translation
relative to the preformed roller module housing in a direction
perpendicular to the rotational axis of the roller. A spring is coupled
between the translational support and the preformed roller module
housing.

[0006]In specific embodiments, the preformed roller module includes a
switch which is activated by moving the roller in translation to contact
the switch. The spring is a coiled spring which biases the roller away
from the switch. The roller is disposed on a first side of the switch and
the coiled spring extends from the first side of the switch to a second
side of the switch opposite from the first side. The coiled spring
includes a spring support extension disposed on the second side of the
switch. The spring support extension supports the coiled spring on the
second side to facilitate smooth translational movement of the roller
relative to the switch. The spring support extension is supported on the
roller module housing.

[0007]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a
keyboard for a computer comprises a user-manipulable volume control dial
disposed on a keyboard surface of the keyboard for controlling an audio
volume of the computer. The volume control dial includes a cylinder
having an undulating surface and an axis generally perpendicular to the
keyboard surface. A spring is biased against the undulating surface of
the cylinder to produce a ratcheting movement of the cylinder during
rotation of the cylinder to provide tactile user feedback. In specific
embodiments, the spring is biased against a smooth surface of the
cylinder to produce a frictional feedback to the user (i.e., no
ratcheting).

[0008]In some embodiments, the spring includes a cylindrical portion in
contact with the undulating surface of the cylinder. The volume control
dial is movable toward and away from the keyboard surface, and the spring
biases the volume control dial away from the keyboard surface. The volume
control dial may be preformed and attached as a preformed module to the
keyboard. The cylinder includes a plurality of slits. A photoemitter is
mounted on a first side of the cylinder to direct light through the slits
in the cylinder. A photodetector is mounted on a second side of the
cylinder, opposite from the photoemitter, to detect light from the
photoemitter passing through the slits in the cylinder. The positions of
the photodetector and photoemitter can be switched.

[0009]In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a keyboard
comprises a plurality of keys having key mechanisms connected thereto. An
opaque keyboard frame is placed over the key mechanisms to cover at least
a substantial portion of the key mechanisms. The plurality of keys
protrude through openings of the opaque keyboard frame. A translucent top
case is placed over the opaque keyboard frame. The plurality of keys
protrude through openings of the translucent top case.

[0010]In some embodiments, the opaque keyboard frame has a generally
smooth upper surface visible through the translucent top case. At least
one module, such as a roller module or a multi-media module, may protrude
through openings of the translucent top case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the keyboard according to an
embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIGS. 6a and 6b are right side elevational views of the keyboard of
FIG. 1 schematically illustrating the keyboard feet;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of a roller module according to
an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of the roller module of FIG. 7;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a volume control dial mechanism
according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the volume control dial mechanism of
FIG. 9; and

[0021]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the keyboard of FIG. 1 showing a
translucent top case according to another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0022]FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a computer keyboard 10 including a body or
housing which desirably has a low profile. For example, the height of the
body measured from the bottom 12 is equal to or less than about 21-23 mm
over a large portion of the keyboard, and increases to a maximum of about
34 mm toward the rear of the keyboard in one specific embodiment, as best
seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The keyboard body has a length (from the left side
14 to the right side 16) of about 490 mm and a width (from the front side
18 to the rear side 20) of about 220 mm. Of course, the keyboard 10 may
have other dimensions.

[0023]As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the keyboard 10 includes a
multi-media module 26 having a plurality of control members such as
buttons and knobs. One of the control members is a volume control dial 30
for controlling an audio volume of the computer. The keyboard 10 further
includes a roller module 36 which includes buttons 38 for activating
button switches underneath and a roller 40 protruding through a slot
provided on the top cover of the roller module 36. The roller module 36
is desirably preformed prior to being assembled with the remainder of the
keyboard 10. The keyboard 10 includes a recessed region for receiving the
preformed roller module 36. These features of the keyboard will be
described in more detail below.

[0024]FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate tilting of the keyboard 10 using one or
more keyboard feet 44. Conventional keyboard feet are disposed at the
bottom of the keyboard, and tend to increase the height profile of the
keyboard. For a low profile keyboard, relocating the keyboard feet 44 to
the side of the keyboard can maintain the low profile. The keyboard feet
44 are movable between a neutral or folded position (FIG. 6a) and an
inclined position (FIG. 6b). In the specific embodiment shown, the feet
44 are each rotatably attached to the side of the keyboard 10 by a hinge
46. In the neutral position, the feet 44 are folded onto the side of the
keyboard above the bottom 12 with a zero degree tilt. In the inclined
position, the feet 44 extend downward from the side of the keyboard below
the bottom 12 to produce tilting of the keyboard. Typically a pair of
keyboard feet 44 are disposed along the rear side 20. In an alternative
embodiment, for example, a pair of keyboard feet may be disposed on
opposite sides along the left edge 14 and the right edge 16 near the rear
of the keyboard 10 (FIGS. 1-5).

[0025]The preformed roller module 36 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The
roller module 36 has a base 50 and a top cover 52 forming a roller
enclosure or housing. When assembled, the roller enclosure is fixedly
attached to the keyboard body. A roller 40 protrudes through a slot of
the top cover 52 to allow manipulation by a user. The roller 40 is
mounted on a movable translational support 60, for instance, by a shaft
extending from the support 60 through the center axis of the roller 40.
The roller 40 includes slits which permit light to pass therethrough. A
photoemitter 57 and a photodetector 58 are disposed on opposite sides of
the roller 40. The photodetector 58 detects light emitted by the
photoemitter 57 and passing through the slits of the roller 40, and
determines the amount of rotation from the number of times the
photodetector 58 is illuminated. The undulating surface 59 of the roller
40 can be used to produce a ratcheting effect during rotation of the
roller 40 to provide user tactile feedback.

[0026]The support 60 guides the movement of the roller 40 up and down
relative to the roller module housing. This allows a user to press down
on the roller 40 and the support 60 to contact and activate a switch 66.
A spring 70 is mounted to the support 60 to bias the support 60 upward
and return the support 60 and the roller 40 to the upper position away
from the switch 66 when the user removes the downward force on the roller
40. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a coiled spring 70 mounted at one end 62 of the
support 60. Guide columns may be provided in the roller module housing to
guide the support 60 or roller 40 during movement relative to the switch
66. In another embodiment, a spring coupled to the guide column can be
used to bias the support 60 upward instead of the spring 70.

[0027]In the embodiment shown, the roller 40 moves in translation to
provide "clicking." In another embodiment with no "clicking," the support
for the roller 40 is fixed in position so that the roller 40 rotates but
does not move in translation.

[0028]The roller module 36 is operatively coupled with the keyboard 10 to
interface with the keyboard 10 and the computer. For instance, the
rotation of the roller 40 and translation of the roller 40 to activate
the switch 66 may be used to manipulate a cursor on the computer screen.
In one example, the rotation of the roller 40 may be used for scrolling a
document on the computer screen, and the translation of the roller 40 may
be used to pop up a roller configuration menu on the screen.

[0029]The use of a preformed roller module 36 is advantageous for ease of
manufacturing and cost savings. It is difficult to control tolerances on
a large molded piece for the top case of the keyboard 10. The use of the
preformed roller module 36 eliminates the need to do so for the roller 36
and pushbuttons 38. The preformed roller module 36 has a small top cover
52 and base 50 forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism,
including the electronic components. This results in a more effective
design for incorporating the roller feature into the keyboard. The module
36 can be more precisely manufactured in a cost-effective manner. The
module 36 makes the roller feature more visible and intuitive to the
user, and can be separately manufactured, assembled, and tested.

[0030]As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the switch 66 is disposed below the
support 60, and the roller 40 is disposed on one side of the switch 66.
The spring 70 extends from the side of the switch 66 where the roller 40
is disposed to the opposite side of the switch 66. As the roller 40 is
pressed down, it may tend to tilt the translation mechanism to one side
of the switch 66, and cause friction as well as wear and tear. To
overcome this problem, the spring 70 desirably includes a spring support
extension 72 disposed opposite from the roller 40 and supported on the
base 50 to provide balanced and smooth translational movement of the
roller 40 as the support 60 moves up and down.

[0031]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the internal mechanism of the volume
control dial 30. The dial 30 includes a cylinder 80 having an axis which
may be generally perpendicular to the surface of the keyboard 10,
although other orientations are possible. The cylinder 80 includes a
plurality of slits 82 which permit light to pass therethrough. A
photoemitter 84 and a photodetector 86 are disposed on opposite sides of
the cylinder 80. The photodetector 86 detects light emitted by the
photoemitter 84 and passing through the slits 82 of the cylinder 80, and
determines the amount of rotation from the number of times the
photodetector 86 is illuminated.

[0032]The cylinder 80 includes an undulating surface 88. A spring 90
contacts the undulating surface 88 to produce a ratcheting effect during
rotation of the cylinder 80 to provide user tactile feedback. For smooth
operation and feel, a small cylinder 92 is attached to the spring 90 to
contact the undulating surface 88. In another embodiment, the spring is
biased against a smooth surface of the cylinder to produce a frictional
feedback to the user (i.e., no ratcheting).

[0033]The volume control dial 30 may be movable toward and away from the
keyboard surface, so that the user may press down on the dial 30 to turn
it on and off, for example. The spring 90 may be coupled to the cylinder
80 in a manner to bias the dial 30 away from the keyboard surface and
return it to an upper position upon removal of the force applied by the
user.

[0034]The volume control dial 30 may be preformed prior to being assembled
with the remainder of the keyboard 10. As in the case of the roller
module 36, the use of a preformed dial 30 eliminates the need to control
tolerances on a large molded piece for the top case of the keyboard 10.
Thus, the module 36 can be more precisely manufactured in a
cost-effective manner.

[0035]In FIG. 11, the keyboard 10 includes an opaque keyboard frame 102
and a translucent top case placed over the opaque keyboard frame 102. The
keyboard frame 102 includes a plurality of openings through which the
plurality of keys protrude. The keys have key mechanisms connected
thereto. The opaque keyboard frame 102 is placed over the key mechanisms
to cover and hide from sight at least a substantial portion of the key
mechanisms, as well as electronics, cables, connectors, membranes, screws
or other fasteners, and the like. The opaque keyboard frame 102 is
extended as much as possible across the keyboard to cover and hide
underlying key mechanisms. The upper surface of the keyboard frame 102 is
visible through the top case 104, and desirably is generally smooth and
free of ribs, screw bosses, gates, ejectors, and the like. The upper
surface of the frame 102 may be surface treated by, for example,
texturing, ribbing, polishing, or the like.

[0036]The top case 104 includes a plurality of key openings 110 through
which the plurality of keys protrude. Module openings 114 are provided to
accommodate the protruding multi-media module 26 and the roller module
36. The top case 104 may be surface treated, for example, to produce a
high gloss surface.

[0037]The above-described arrangements of apparatus and methods are merely
illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many
other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For
example, the shapes, sizes, and locations of the various components of
the keyboard may be changed. The roller 40 may have a different position
or a different orientation (e.g., horizontally disposed instead of
vertically disposed), and there may be a plurality of rollers. As
mentioned above, the volume control dial 30 may product ratcheting or no
ratcheting during rotation. The scope of the invention should, therefore,
be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead
should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with
their full scope of equivalents.